Sandra Colvin Roy and R.T. Rybak

September 2013

Meet Sandra Colvin Roy and R.T. Rybak, City Council Member and Mayor, Minneapolis - DMOs of the Month for September

This month we recognize the tenure of two fantastic outgoing Democratic Municipal Officials. Sandra Colvin Roy represents Minneapolis’ 12th Ward as Councilwoman, promoting public safety and local infrastructure. R.T. Rybak is the city’s Mayor, and makes a special effort to personally engage his constituents. Both are exemplars of Democratic service, and share a passion for modern transit and community outreach. Council Member Colvin Roy and Mayor Rybak have each decided not to seek re-election. This September we honor the service of two municipal officials who uphold our Democratic values in word and deed.

First elected to the City Council in 1997, Council Member Colvin Roy has a history of local activism. Public safety is one of her core issues, whether it’s reducing neighborhood crime or campaigning to stop domestic violence. Sandra is a key advocate for Restorative Justice, working to end cycles of abuse. She is also a major proponent of firefighters in Minneapolis, ensuring they have the staff to handle any emergency.

Sandra Colvin Roy serves as a Democrat of note both locally and nationally. She has contributed to the Minnesota Women’s Political Caucus, is President of the National Organization to Insure a Sound-controlled Environment, and works with the Blue Water Partnership. Council Member Colvin Roy is active in the National League of Cities, serving on the Board of Directors and as Chair of the Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Steering Committee. And of course, Sandy is a member of the DMO Board of Directors and our Minnesota State Chair.

Council Member Colvin Roy and Mayor Rybak both share a passion for advocacy. The environment and climate change play a critical role in how they affect policy, ensuring new infrastructure and city works limit their potential environmental impact. Both are proponents of modern transportation, moving Minneapolis forward with Light Rail and other rapid transit systems. Councilwoman Colvin Roy chairs the Transportation and Public Works committee, as well as the city’s Rail Policy Group. Mayor Rybak serves on the Board of Directors of Nice Ride Minnesota, bringing modern bike sharing programs to the city. Their forward thinking and dedication to the public helps secure a better future for Minneapolis.

First elected in 2001, Mayor Rybak engages his city directly on the issues. With the passage of marriage equality in Minnesota, he is encouraging LGBT couples from across the Midwest to plan their weddings in Minneapolis. It’s no surprise that R.T. is also a regular participant in the Minneapolis Pride Parade. Whether it’s reducing gun violence, fighting for equal opportunity in Minneapolis’ schools, or promoting responsible immigration reform, R.T. takes a strong and progressive stand on the Democratic causes that affect us all. Mayor Rybak is so representative of our Democratic values that he sits as one of the five Vice Chairs of the DNC, and as President of the National Conference of Democratic Mayors.

R.T. Rybak is also a pro at connecting with his constituents. An avid Facebook and Twitter user, he keeps Minneapolis up to date with The Mayor Blog. Social media gives Mayor Rybak the time to explain complex issues with the length and clarity they deserve, but also helps keep the city informed about everyday municipal projects. Mayor Rybak is a regular at local events, rallies, and protests, speaking with passionate citizens as they make a difference in their city. Voters have the opportunity to speak their minds, and he has the time to respond face to face. R.T. Rybak maintains a dialogue with his city, and in doing so defines his values and his policies better than any article or interview could.

Whether they’re drawing attention to national issues or discussing municipal works in a newsletter, Sandra Colvin Roy and R.T. Rybak are DMOs to their core. Elected officials like Council Member Colvin Roy and Mayor Rybak show that Democrats have the ideas to improve our cities and the passion to bring about that change. With new technology and face to face interaction, they go the extra mile in serving the city of Minneapolis. Democratic Municipal Officials is pleased to honor Mayor R.T. Rybak and Councilwoman Sandra Colvin Roy as our DMOs of the Month. We can’t wait to see where their futures take them, but we know their foundation in municipal leadership will serve them well.